Study reveals 103 air pollutants

A new study by Atmo Occitanie has identified 103 different pollutants in the air of the Occitanie region, including pesticides, endocrine disruptors, and PFAS. These pollutants are present in varying concentrations depending on the season and the environment.

Research methods and timeframe

The study, conducted by the regional air quality observatory, analyzed data collected from 11 monitoring sites between 2024 and 2025. It aimed to observe the presence of pollutants, differences in concentration between urban and rural areas, and the impact of proximity to large agricultural areas.

Pollutant categories and sources

The pollutants were categorized into three main groups: pesticides, endocrine disruptors, and PFAS. Pesticides include fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides. Endocrine disruptors include phthalates from plastics, mosquito repellents, and combustion products. PFAS come from surface products and fire-fighting foam, among other sources.

Seasonal and regional variations

In rural areas of Haute-Garonne, high concentrations of pesticides were found in autumn, mainly herbicides used for winter cereals. In summer, PFAS and combustion products were more prevalent, influenced by dry conditions and wildfires in the Corbières region. Urban areas showed different patterns, with endocrine disruptors peaking in summer due to higher temperatures increasing molecular volatility.

Regional differences and agricultural influences

While the overall pattern of pollutants was consistent across the region, there were local variations. In the Hérault, PFAS levels were highest in winter and spring, while in the Aude, fungicides from vineyards were prominent in spring due to the large number of vineyards.

Health implications and future research

Dominique Tilak, general director of Atmo Occitanie, was surprised by the widespread presence of plasticizers and phthalates. Émilie Dalix, president of Atmo Occitanie, emphasized the importance of these findings, noting that people breathe 15,000 liters of air daily. Dr. Valentin Héluain, a pneumology oncologist, is using the study in his research called Paddel to investigate the link between atmospheric pollutants and rising lung cancer rates, focusing on non-smoking patients.